Tablet vendor shipments worldwide 2012-2024, by quarter

In the second quarter of 2024, Apple iPad shipments amounted to over 12 million units, an increase from the previous quarter. Apple has consistently shipped the most tablets, although more recently other companies have been steadily and significantly increasing their shipment numbers. 

Tablet market

The iPad, the first touch screen tablet, was released by Apple in 2010. Since its launch, the device has dramatically changed the global tablet market in terms of technology and consumer expectations. The iPad and a host of other devices from an array of vendors contribute toward a global tablet market that is expected to be worth around 55 billion U.S. dollars in 2024.

iPad as the market leader

The iPad aimed to fill a gap between smartphones and laptop computers, offering another mobile device option for consumers. The iPad is closely related to Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch, using the same operating system and multi-touch user interface. After introducing the iPad, competitors rushed into the market with their own tablets. Apple saw its global market share decrease from about 60 percent at the beginning of 2011 to around 30 percent a decade later.